H2 hubs and the zero-emissions challenge
Workboat operators “are now beginning to act on zero-emission technologies for their renewal programmes”, Jas Singh of Auriga Energy told MJ.
The pressure is rising: all new vessels for UK waters ordered from 2025 will be designed with zero-emission capable technologies and those for the North Sea are subject to 2030 targets: there are also planned decarbonisation rules for wind support vessels and EU transport ministers have signed a declaration toward “a carbon-neutral and zero pollution waterborne transport sector”.
Despite that, the hardware switch might not be that difficult to accomplish as fuel cells are almost uniquely suited to modular, ‘drop-in’ power designs. Auriga’s chosen prototype unit is a crate-sized 10kW, 40cm by 60cm by 100cm PEM cell stack which can be multiplied up, though Singh explained “we can equally manufacture 30kW or 50kW modules, adding them together to get to the right voltage and current output”. Coupled with the appropriate electric motor powertrain, this will deliver zero-emission operations at sea.
The tank for smaller vessels would likely be a 350bar composite sized for range – 700bar being an option though “a bit more expensive” in total given the higher pressure of the supply plant. However, other options such as easily stored, non-toxic dry-fibre materials which yield even higher power densities than cryogenic H2 are also being explored.
The infrastructure is beginning to line up: Hamburg, Valencia, Toulon, Oostende, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Den Helder, and Groningen ports are amongst those aiming to create hydrogen hubs and there are also plans to manufacture green H2 from renewables. Still, there are intermediate options: Auriga Energy’s system onboard the Bristol tourist ferry, Hydrogenesis has been utilising portable 21kg cylinders in the absence of a refuelling station.
Interestingly, the company has additionally proven its fuel cell systems – and advantages over battery installations – in a high productivity industry: commercial warehouse forklifts which required constant power across the duty cycle and fast refuelling, without the need for recharging or spare batteries.
Furthermore Auriga Energy is also providing portable fuel cell generators for off-grid work: these can supply a continual, near silent and emission-free 1,500W, with a small integrated battery to handle short 2,000W peak loads. “It’s enough to run a Portacabin with laptops, lights and fridge – or a few lightweight power tools,” added Singh.
By Stevie Knight
